This was unexpected. It was an honour to have been chosen as an Olympic Torchbearer for the 2010 Winter Olympics here in Vancouver. The thought of becoming an Olympian was something I envisioned before. "What does it take to reach the highest peak of an athlete's strength and speed; to have dedicated one's life for the love of the game?" This is the closest I can get to experience the joy of participating in the Olympic games. I woke up energized this morning feeling like an Olympic Athlete!
I dedicate this historic event in my life to all my family and friends that continue to inspire me to live my faith, to pursue my hopes, and to be in love to follow God's will in my life. Praise be my Lord Jesus Christ!
I used to be actively involved with a few sports competition in the provincial level tournaments. I enjoyed the challenge of training and sportsmanship including trying out different martial arts before I went to the Seminary to study and discern the Catholic Priesthood to serve in grateful hope for the goodness and beauty of what this life has to offer everyone. Now, the journey continues...
I will remember each of you as I carry the torch.
With glowing heart, I thank you,
Noel
Click below to see and leave a comment:
Congratulations! What a honour and kool opportunity for you!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you!!!!!!
ReplyDelete"Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful people and committed citizens can change the world [for the better]. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you too!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you as well!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity! Congratulations
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you!!! It has been an amazing journey! Your moment will soon be upon you. ;-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you also, I'm getting very excited and the more I read about others experience the more excited I'm getting. I know this is going to be an amazing experience.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I hope you enjoy your unique privilege for all its worth. What a great opportunity to participate in a world event and spread your faith at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI am proud of you, Noel! Best wishes and congratulations!
ReplyDelete- Roy S.
Noel, that is so great! God Bless!
ReplyDeleteJason
We're very proud of you. You deserve it. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS, Noel! Feel that SPIRIT of the Olympics!!!God bless you.
ReplyDeleteWow! so proud of you cousin! congratulations!
ReplyDelete-julie ann
I used to work with your brother VJ at Cantest, and have heard many great things about you. Very happy for you. I am so happy you have written thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for this, and it will definitely glorify Him. May you be closer to Him after this event!
ReplyDelete"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb 12:2)
Bro. Noel,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You were always an inspiration to me. Goes back to Highschool days! My family and I are proud of you and blessed to know someone special like you. Looking forward to follow your journey during the olympics. You are a true brother, follower, soldier in christ!
From,
Lester, Joyce, Charmaine, Christian Xavier
Congratulations Noel. I heard the news from VJ. You are an inspiration to many. God has definitely blessed you and put you on this awesome journey! Cherish the moment. See you in February!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteFrom a Kiva team member
God bless you! I can't thank you enough for including us in your dedication, that's a first for me. Thank you even more, though, Noel, for answering His call. I'm blessed to have an uncle who is a priest, so I thank your family as well. It's a sacrifice for all involved, but of the very, very best sort. You're in my prayers!
ReplyDeletePeace,
Annie
Noel,
ReplyDeleteI am tremendously proud of you. You are more than an inspiration - you are proof of the "Power of a Promise".
I will keep you in my prayers.
Bill Bartmann
Noel,
ReplyDeleteI see faith in your dedication.
I see hope in the fulfilment of your wish.
And, I see love in your humility to follow God's will.
Praise be Jesus Christ our Lord.
-Nerrisa NG
Nerrisa NG
I'm so proud of you Noel...!! What an accomplishment...!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the 'run'. My family and I will be cheering you from Union City and throughout the bay area.
Congratulations and God Bless!
-auntiegilda
Congratulations Noel!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a great honor to be selected amongst the many qualified people to carry the Olympic Torch. You not only will carry the spirit of sportsmanship but will take with you the pride of the Oco family and the Filipino community in BC and the world over.
God Bless.
Dear Noel,
ReplyDeleteWow and Wow...You rock my Friend!
What a wonderful surprise!
God Bless You!
You deserve the best because you have an awesome heart!
Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraul Urrutia
Noel,
ReplyDeleteYou made me cry in your message. For who you are and what you are is a total gift from God. You're truly an inspiration to all...to your family...your friends and all of us. May God continue to give you strength, health, joy and perseverance to reach your goal!
Congratulations to you and your parents who raised you so beautifully!
-Tita Remi and Family
"Congrats! Kuya Noel. Wow! This is so cool..we're so proud of you.."
ReplyDelete- Keran Oco
"Hi Noel! I'm so proud of you enjoy every moment... i wish i can be a torch bearer too for olympics :D, that's a good experience. Anyway Thank You and Gob Bless You too. :D"
ReplyDelete- Madonabella Sasot Leonor
Congratulations, Noel. You truly are worthy of the honour. The light of the torch shines as brightly as the light in your heart.
ReplyDeleteYour friend, Gwen
I am very sure Rev Fr Abbot John Braganza and the Benedictine monks are extremely happy for you and are continously praying for you everyday.
ReplyDelete"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever."
ReplyDelete- Psalm 28:7-9
Nanay Jasmin and I are very proud knowing you. We can't stop spreading this wonderful news...it makes us feel like Olympians too and part of the history... we want to thank your parents for always posting us the good news! God bless you always.
ReplyDeletecongratulations, noel. so proud to be your neighbor. god bless. tito loy and tita anita
ReplyDeleteHere is the Official List of Torch Bearers Selected by Coca-Cola
ReplyDeletehttp://www.icoke.ca/liveolympic/torchbearer-winners
Congratulations !!!! Carry that torch with pride.. so proud of you !!!!
ReplyDelete- Maripaz -
Thanks Noel, you are a great guy and I'm very honoured to have passed the torch to you!!
ReplyDeleteNoel
ReplyDeleteThat was the best video I have ever seen.It clearly expresses what the Torch Relay means to you and Canada.You made us all proud.Way to go.
Torchbearer 040,
Neil Earl